After graduating from the Taipei National University of the Arts, Shih Pei Chun continued her studies in the Department of Architecture at National Chiao Tung University. Her work spans photography, installation, architectural proposals and planning. It is worth noting that “On the road to Hsinchu” at Yeh Wei-Li’s studio (New Day Street) and the project “19991221>20130421 part 1” with Open-Contemporary Art Center, Shih “constructs” a temporary “swing” for both works. From her statement, one finds that she describes the swing as both an anchored (fixed), but also swinging, and unstable architectural element.

“Swing” exists between the background and thinking of architecture and art for Shih, but is also reflective of her involvement with Open-Contemporary Art Center and relocation/moving from Taipei to Bangkok. Through labor, design, and construction, one must ask: What is the background of a space and the foundation of a place?

Alternative Space? Artist-run Space? Alright, so today we have reached an understanding that “alternative space” has merely a historical connotation left, whereas “artist-run space” cuts directly to the chase, but still nothing is explained through these terms. We suggest a temporary halt on the investigation of terminology. The significance lies in what we do, what we did and what we will be doing next.

So what have you been up to? In short, we practice art and curate exhibitions. When able, we also organize forums, launch publications and initiate projects for international artistic exchange. If you haven’t the time to read the brief introduction on the back, all you need to remember is this: our job is to generate new dialogues between art and the public and to offer the world something different for a change, or at the very least, we try our best when making mistakes.

Why not simply focus on practicing art? It’s not that simple. In fact, there is no such thing as simply practicing art. Contemporary art and its viewers have broken away from the monotonous relationship of simply paying a visit to the museum. Whether people are aware of it or not, art has undoubtedly permeated into every aspect of our lives. Therefore, a genuine art practitioner would not shy away when met face to face with genuine public issues. We simply want to do it better.

Where does your funding come from? Unemployment subsidies. That was a joke. We operate with funds which come from our own pockets and occasional help from limited government funding—translation: we are often short of cash.

Are all members artists? We were founded as an artist-based organization, but are delighted to have recruited more and more members from interdisciplinary professions in recent years. As for the artists, you may still catch a glimpse of them from time to time carrying a spear and shield, riding a scrawny horse and followed around by a fox hound.

Can I join? Certainly, you are most welcome to join us. Please note, however, this is not a recruitment ad. Despite our wish to recruit more like-minded friends, we hope that all potential members first try to understand our situation before participating in anything. Acknowledgement of the process is in itself an important form of participation, which means that everything you imagine could be possible. In other words, we would love your attention starting from now.